MCC Daily Tribune

Home Energy Cost Solutions

Have you noticed your monthly utility bills increasing during the last eight months? If so, there is a huge reason for it and that is the pandemic. Many families have had to switch from working at their offices and schools to working and learning at home remotely. Outside of home, we used the resources others provide like air conditioning, heat, and electric. Those resources are now being used in each household more than ever when you have the family staying at home. Computers, laptops, iPad, ear buds, cell phones, ceiling lights, lamps, just to name a few are used more often now than ever before.

With the winter months upon us and the start of the holiday season, what resources are there available that we can begin to use to bring our cost down during this tough year with COVID? Below are some simple tips you can begin to implement in your homes and links to resources that can drive your expenses down.

Tips:

Unplug from vampire sources and gadgets you don’t really need. These are devices that are plugged in all the time like small appliances and electronics. Unplugging them when not in use can save you about $40-$60 a year.
Use smart power strips. If you are not accustomed to unplugging those small appliances and electronics, a smart power strips turns off the energy flow so that it doesn’t keep draining energy from your devices. It helps save you money and energy.
Use natural lighting. If you have windows in the rooms you are working in use the natural light. Natural lighting is said to boost productivity and a mood-buster. So, open up those curtains and blinds.
When purchasing a new computer, printer, and or appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR-certified label. Equipment with the certification uses about half the energy consumption.
During the winter months most households will need to heat their homes. Think about making small adjustments to the temperature in your home. For every degree that you set back your thermostat, you can save about 6 percent on your energy bill. Also, think about talking to a utility representative about getting on a budget to help offset high costs during the winter months. Your bill can be set on a fixed monthly energy bill so you don’t see the spikes during the winter months.
Use LED lights for your holiday decorating. Most string lighting can be purchased with LED lights. They may cost more up front but the savings from using them will be beneficial.

Resources:

If you are an RG&E customer, sign up for the smart rewards program. They are constantly offering incentives on smart thermostats, smart plugs, light bulbs, power strips, water fixtures, and air quality products to help cost to you and on the NY State power supply. To find out more click on the link https://www.rge.com/wps/portal/rge/saveenergy/rebatesandprograms/smartsavingsrewards .